The No Wake Zone Simplified
Thursday, May 31, 2007

With the Memorial Day weekend kicking off the 2007 boating season, it seems there is still a great deal of confusion in regards to the new No Wake Zone near the Point in Pittsburgh.  Here is a rundown of the No Wake Zone Policy in its simplest form.

• In effect from May 1 to October 1
• In effect from 3 p.m. on Friday to Midnight on Sunday
• Also In effect from 3 p.m. the day before Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day through Midnight of the Holiday.
• Extends from the West End Bridge on the Ohio River
• Extends from the Fort Pitt Bridge on the Monongahela River
• Extends from the Fort Wayne Rail Road Bridge on the Allegheny River

According Emil Svethor, the Southwest Region Manager for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission,  the No Wake Zone is in effect from the Point to the Fort Wayne Railroad Bridge on the Allegheny River, not the 9th Street Bridge or the Fort Duquesne Bridge.

Although signs have been posted on the 9th Street Bridge Piers warning boaters of the No Wake Zone, Mr. Svethor said the PA F&BC still have the right to enforce the No Wake Up to The Fort Wayne Rail Road Bridge because it is written in their regulations.

However, the PA F&BC are in the process of rewriting the rule so that it will be consistent with the sign placements.  Unfortunately, boaters will have to wait until at least next year for that to happen.

The following graphic shows the current No Wake Zone.

Submitted by: BoatPittsburgh.com Staff

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